FROM PROFESSOR J. D. FORBES.

                                                                         Edinburgh, 13th Feb. 1856.
 

You may not perhaps have heard that Mr. Gray, Professor of Natural Philosophy, Marischal College, Aberdeen,   is dead. He was a pleasing and energetic person, in the prime of life and health, a few months ago, when I saw him   last.

I have no idea whether the situation would be any object to you; but I thought I would mention it, as I think it   would be a pity were it not filled by a Scotchman, and you are the person who occurs to me as best fitted for it.

Do not imagine from my writing that I have the smallest influence in the matter, or interest in it beyond the welfare  of the Scottish Universities.

It is in the gift of the Crown. The Lord Advocate and Home Secretary are the parties to apply to. I am not   acquainted with either.

In the Commissioners' Report of 1830 the emoluments are stated at about £350. But they are not always to be  depended upon.

Another point. I think you ought certainly to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. I shall be glad to   propose you if you wish it.